After the postponement of the game away to Brentwood on Thursday evening Blues return to action at Parkside tomorrow Saturday when they entertain near neighbours Barking. Back in September Barking recored a 3-1 win helped by probably one of Blues most disappointing performances this season so they will be looking to avenge that defeat.
In Opposition
Barking have a long history going back many years and were for some time a force in Non League football members of the Isthmian League and for many years playing at The Vicarage Field in the heart of the town. After the ground was acquired for retail development by the council in 1973 the club moved to its present home . One interesting fact unearthed by club historians discovered that a certain local lad Bobby Moore played one game for Barking 'A' as a youngster !
This is their first season back in the Isthmian league following a sojourn in the Essex Senior League and they have so far enjoyed a successful season currently lying just outside the play offs with fifty eight points from thirty nine games. Their joint leading goal scorers are ex Blue Kieran Hughes - Mason and Billy Jones each with eight goals. The current squad feature some ex Blues among them Dan Gilchrist and Akwarsi Marfo in addition to Hughes - Mason.
In The Past
There have been several meeting between the two sides over many years primarily in Cup matches but Saturday will be only the second time of late in a league fixture.
Recent stats going back to 1960 show there have been nine competitive fixtures with Blues winning four Barking four and one draw.The earliest fixture in recent times was on the 10th September 1960 at the Rec Barking winning 3-2. As mentioned earlier Barking won the last meeting 3-1 with goals from Jay Knight, Theo Ola and Dan Gilchrist, Suley Zuhdu replying for Blues.
Current Form
Barking
WLLLWW
Blues
DWDWDD
WITH THANKS TO Chris jones on line stats